NEWS

Game and Parks to stock catchable-size rainbow trout

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will stock catchable-size rainbow trout in city ponds and lakes across the state this month.

A full schedule of stockings, which is subject to change depending on weather conditions, is available on our website. The schedule includes date, location and quantity of fish to be stocked.

Game and Parks reminds anglers that anyone fishing in Nebraska, except residents under age 16, must have a fishing license. A park entry permit is required for each vehicle entering state parks, recreation areas and historical parks. Permits are available for purchase on our website.

Game and Parks no longer considering Ash Hollow ATV park

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is no longer considering Ash Hollow State Historical Park as a site for an all-terrain vehicle park.

Ash Hollow was a potential site, and the Commission is undertaking a study to determine the cultural resources of the area for any other potential future uses of the park, including a possible future expansion of a cemetery on park land requested by local residents.

EVENTS

Turkey hunting workshop scheduled in Chadron

Hunters looking to be successful at bagging a turkey this spring will have the opportunity to learn how to do it Wednesday, March 18, in Chadron.

Nick Zaczek, the region’s National Wild Turkey Federation forester based in Crawford, will deliver a presentation about hunting gobblers as part of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Turkey Hunting Workshop series. The event will be at 6 p.m. in room 231 of the Burkhiser Complex at Chadron State College.

The workshop is open to all ages and levels of experience. Several other turkey hunting workshops will take place elsewhere across the state. For more information, visit our website.

Statewide birding events taking place March through May

March is Nebraska’s peak month for viewing waterfowl. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the migration at Ponca State Park through bird viewing tours, nature hikes, bird-related activities and crafts every Saturday in March. Additionally, now is the time to view the sandhill cranes along the Platte River and the pelicans at Harlan County reservoir. Visit our website to learn more about these and other birding activities taking place across Nebraska now through May.

Historical reenactments coming to Fort Hartsuff

Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, one of America’s best preserved frontier forts, will host dozens of military and civilian living historians and reenactors Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19. Events will take place 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday.

Members of the Great Plains Garrison, a coalition of regional reenactors and living historians dedicated to sharing the history of Nebraska, will occupy nearly every structure on the post, recreating the activities of everyday life in the 19th century. Visitors will see soldiers drilling and firing, laundresses and cooks hard at work, the blacksmith pounding away, the surgeon in the hospital, sentries on guard, officers present, the barracks fully occupied, and a skirmish at 2 p.m. on Sunday. A special program will also memorialize the 150th anniversary of the death of President Abraham Lincoln.

EXTRAS

More peregrine falcon drama

A few weeks ago, the male peregrine falcon that has nested for several years at the Nebraska State Capitol was spotted in the nest box at the Woodman Tower in Omaha. Nongame Bird Program Manager Joel Jorgensen surmised it was possible the Capitol falcon would challenge the resident male falcon at the Woodman Tower – who happens to be his offspring. Video captured last week shows what’s really going on in the Woodman Tower nestbox. Visit the Nongame Bird Blog to check it out.

Find answers to turkey hunting questions during Twitter chat

Save the date! Game and Parks outdoor educators and biologists will answer your questions about spring turkey hunting during a live Twitter chat April 10 from noon to 1 p.m. Follow us on Twitter and use the hashtag #NebraskaTurkey to follow along and chime in with your own questions.

PROMOTIONS

Cast your vote for your favorite fishing spots in Nebraska

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation is on a mission to identify the Top 100 Family-Friendly Parks for Fishing or Boating, and Nebraska needs your help. Six Nebraska parks have made it to the final round of voting. Vote for your favorite places in Nebraska to get out on the water with your family and enter for a chance to win a family fishing adventure or a fishing starter kit. Plus, your vote will enter you into a drawing for a four-day stay at the Walt Disney World Resort. Vote daily for Nebraska starting today!

PHOTOS

Featured photo from NEBRASKAland Magazine:

Warm sunlight shines through the trees at the walking bridge to Ice House Ponds at Fort Robinson State Park.